Helmet with fire resistant safety shock absorbent chinstrap and a fire resistant safety shock absorbent chinstrap

ABSTRACT

A protective helmet, such as a firefighter&#39;s helmet includes a fire resistant, impact resistant shell configured to be received upon the user&#39;s head; a fire resistant, impact resistant, full brim extending outwardly from the shell around the circumference of the shell; a pair chinstrap retainers coupled to the shell on opposed sides of the protective helmet; and a fire resistant safety chinstrap coupled to the chinstrap retainers and configures to allow the shell and brim to pivot relative to the chinstrap about an axis extending through the chinstrap retainers, and including an elastic member that partially absorbs and dissipates impact forces to headgear that extend across the axis through the chinstrap retainers to minimize head and neck area bodily injury to the user. The safety chinstrap may be easily attached, released, stored and transported and retrofitted to existing helmets.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/804,367 filed Mar. 22, 2013, entitled “Fire Resistant ShockAbsorbent Chinstrap.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a helmet, such as a firefighter'shelmet or other protective helmets and headgear, including a fireresistant stretchable chinstrap attached to the helmet and with pivotalclips or connectors to partially absorb and dissipate external impactforces thereby reducing the probability of head and neck area injuries.

2. Background Information

For centuries, firefighters have worn helmets to protect them from heat,cinders and falling objects. Although the shape of most of these helmetshas changed little over the last century, their composition has changedfrom the traditional leather to metals (including brass, nickel andaluminum) to modern composite helmets made of lightweight polymers andother plastics.

As a brief history of firefighter's helmets within the United States,the original firefighter's helmet, or fire cap, is often attributed toinventor Jacobus Turck of New York City in 1731. This fire cap designhad a round shape with a high crown and a narrow rim. A later innovatorMathew DuBois is said to have made improvements to this design by addingiron wire to the edge of the brim, providing resistance to moisture,warping and heat. The fire cap, made of leather, became mandatory in NewYork City for all firefighters on duty in 1762.

Between 1821 and 1836, Henry Gratacap, a luggage maker and volunteerfirefighter in New York City, designed his own leather helmet forfirefighters later named the “New Yorker” which was adopted by the NewYork City Fire Department (FDNY) during the late 1800s, the “New Yorker”was an “eight-comb” design, meaning that it had eight differentsegments. The leather used for the helmet was the same used by theinventor Gratacap for his luggage design, which was specially treated towithstand wetness without rotting. Interestingly, it has been suggestedthat these early helmets often were worn backwards to protect thefirefighter's face against heat.

The New Yorker firefighting helmet served many functions and, over time,the design was altered to better carry out these functions.Firefighter's helmets were eventually made with 16 combs, which madethem stronger and more durable against heat. A reinforced dome or shellprotected the firefighter from falling objects, and the rear brim of thehelmet was used to protect against heat and debris falling on the backof the neck. With these sturdy designs, the throwing of the helmet out awindow soon became the universal sign of a firefighter in need of help.

Later other innovators developed the idea of putting badges on the frontof the firefighter's helmet for identification purposes. The badges werein the shape of a guitar pick and contained a brass eagle that extendedfrom the top of the helmet to hold the badge in place. The idea for theeagle is credited to an unknown sculptor who designed a figure for avolunteer firefighter's grave. The figure on the grave was that of afirefighter, emerging from flames holding a sleeping child in one handand a trumpet in the other. The figure wore a helmet with an eagle onit, which soon became part of the helmets worn by firefighters up tothis day.

Established in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) isa leading advocate of fire prevention and is one authoritative source onpublic safety, although some are concerned that the NFPA standards havenot always sufficiently rapidly endorsed or adopted advances intechnology. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports thatin 2008 more than 15,000 firefighters were injured on the job in theUnited States. Firefighters are required to perform a variety ofdangerous tasks. A firefighter's helmet helps lower their risk ofreceiving head injuries while performing their duties. The helmets thatare worn by the firefighters must pass strict testing to ensure thatthey can absorb high impacts.

The NFPA's 1971 Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural andProximity Fire Fighting requires firefighter's helmets to pass strictsafety standards. NFPA-certified helmets are also required to have asafety facemask, a shroud and a helmet cover.

Firefighter's helmets typically have a face shield that also providesfirefighters with thermal protection. Wearing the face protectorattachment can help reduce the risk of burns to the face and neck area.Face protectors are also used to reduce the amount of smoke and ash thatgets to the face at fires.

The NFPA now mandates that helmet shells be made out of thermoset resincomposites or thermoplastics. These materials can withstand extreme heatand high-energy impacts. The NFPA now mandates that helmets includefluorescent and retro-reflective trim and ear covers.

Helmets used by firefighters typically have an energy absorption system.Manufacturers can use different methods to produce ahigh-impact-absorbing helmet. The helmet is often equipped with abuilt-in suspension system that consists of a headband that fitssnuggly. Around the suspension system, some manufacturers have placedfoam, which helps absorb impacts.

Firefighter's helmets are required to have a retention system. Aretention system can consist of a chinstrap, webbing and a nape for theback of the neck. Retention systems also provide higher thermalprotection. The retention system is attached to the helmet and can beadjusted by straps.

The patent literature discloses some relevant helmet designs andanalogous disclosures, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,692 discloses anassembly of pre-formed protective removable pads affixed to criticalareas of the helmet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,508 discloses flexible securing members at the back,sides and chin of the helmet of the firefighter which cannot move withrespect to the head of the firefighter who wears the helmet.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,234 discloses a safety harness assembly withshoulder straps of non-stretchable sleeves enclosing an insert withlimited stretching abilities that provide shock-absorption during anaccidental fall.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,777 discloses a chin strap assembly incorporating asemi-rigid support member formed of plastic or other resilient materialand having upwardly extending end portions which bear upwardly againstfirst and second sides of the wearer's jawbone.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,951 discloses a resilient cloth or similar materialhaving stretch characteristics for passing over the chin of the user andresiliency for returning the same to a tight position under the chin.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,916,446 discloses a double knit fabric with impactabsorbing material and stretchable nylon straps with suitable fastenersfor attachment to protective headgear.

The prior art fails to adequately provide a well designed, elastic andcomfortable fire resistant and shock absorbing chin strap attached toand securing protective helmets or headgear such as firefighter'shelmets. It is one object of the present invention to overcome thedrawbacks of the prior art and to provide headgear with a safety chinstrap which is fire resistant and partially absorbs and dissipatesimpact forces on the associated headgear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At least some of the above objectives are achieved with a protectivehelmet, such as a firefighter's helmet, which includes a fire resistant,impact resistant shell configured to be received upon the user's head; afire resistant, impact resistant, full brim extending outwardly from theshell around the circumference of the shell; a pair chinstrap retainerscoupled to the shell on opposed sides of the protective helmet; and afire resistant safety chinstrap coupled to the chinstrap retainers andconfigures to allow the shell and brim to pivot relative to thechinstrap about an axis extending through the chinstrap retainers, andincluding an elastic member that partially absorbs and dissipates impactforces to headgear that extend across the axis through the chinstrapretainers to minimize head and neck area bodily injury to the user. Thesafety chinstrap may be easily attached, released, stored andtransported and retrofitted to existing helmets.

A fire resistant elastic chinstrap for a helmet that partially absorbsand dissipates impact forces to headgear thereby minimizing bodilyinjury to the wearer. The fire resistant elastic chinstrap for a helmetaccording to invention may further include a pair of coupling members,spring hooks, at opposed ends of the chinstrap, wherein the couplingmembers are configured to allow the helmet to pivot relative to thechinstrap about an axis extending through the coupling members whenattached to the helmet. The fire resistant elastic chinstrap for ahelmet according to the invention may further include a strap bodyextending between the coupling members and a fire resistant chinengaging slip member, possibly formed from a webbing material, around atleast a portion of the strap body. One embodiment of the invention mayprovide an elastic member portion within the area encompassed by thechin engaging slip member and wherein the strap body includes a pair ofwebbing member portion on opposed sides of the elastic member portion.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be clarified inthe brief description of the preferred embodiment in connection with theattached drawings in connection with the foregoing description in whichlike reference numeral represent like elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevation view of a firefighter's helmetincluding a fire resistant safety shock absorbent chinstrap inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic front-side perspective view of the firefighter'shelmet including the fire resistant safety shock absorbent chinstrap ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of the fire resistant safetyshock absorbent chinstrap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a schematic perspective view of a fire resistant safety shockabsorbent chinstrap in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention and usable with the firefighter's helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partially sectioned schematic view of the fireresistant safety shock absorbent chinstrap according to FIG. 3B;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of the fire resistant safety shockabsorbent chinstrap according to FIG. 3B with a chin pad removed; and

FIGS. 6A-6D schematically illustrate relevant impact force applicationsto the a firefighter's helmet including a fire resistant safety shockabsorbent chinstrap of the present invention which partially absorb anddissipate such forces in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a protective helmet 10, particularly afirefighter's helmet as shown. The helmet 10 includes a fire resistant,impact resistant shell 12 configured to be received upon the user'shead. The shell 12 is preferably formed of thermoset resin composites orthermoplastics, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) that meet theNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for a shell andthe vertical and lateral impact and penetration requirements forAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI) Type II/Canadian StandardsAssociation (CSA) Type 2 hard hats.

The firefighter's helmet 10 includes a fire resistant, impact resistant,full brim 14 extending outwardly from the shell 12 around the entirecircumference of the shell 10. The brim 14 is preferably formed integralwith the shell 12 and similarly conforms to the identified standards.The helmet 10 includes fluorescent and retro-reflective trim 16.

The helmet 10 will include a conventional energy absorption system (notshown). Additionally included are face mask attachments and ear guardsand aspects of a conventional firefighter's helmet 10. Theseconventional elements need not be described in detail and are not shownso that the aspects of the fire resistant safety shock absorbentchinstrap 20 in accordance with the present invention can be moreclearly shown and described.

The helmet 10 includes a pair chinstrap retainers 32 coupled to theshell 18 on opposed sides of the protective helmet 10 generally coupledto the shell 18 at the point where the brim 14 extends.

The helmet 10 includes a fire resistant safety chinstrap 20 coupled tothe chinstrap retainers 32 and configures to allow the shell 10 and brim14 of the helmet 10 to pivot relative to the chinstrap 20 about an axisextending through the chinstrap retainers 32 as shown in FIGS. 6B and C.The chinstrap 20 includes an elastic member 22 that partially absorbsand dissipates impact forces to helmet that extend across the axisthrough the chinstrap retainers to minimize head and neck area bodilyinjury to the user.

The fire resistant safety chinstrap 20 includes a pair of couplingmembers in the form of spring hooks 24 at opposed ends of the chinstrap20. The spring hooks 24 engage the retainers 32 and thereby allow thehelmet 10 to pivot relative to the chinstrap 20 about an axis extendingthrough the coupling members 24 and the retainers 32 when the hooks 24are attached to the helmet 10 via retainers 32. The hooks 24 andretainers 32 may be formed of heavy duty plastics, like the shell 12,but may also be formed from metal as they are not in direct contact withthe user. Due to the high heat environments, metal construction is oftenavoided in aspects of the helmet, or any protective equipment that canbe exposed to the high temperatures and also possibly be in directcontact with the skin of the user.

The chinstrap 20 further includes a strap body extending between thecoupling members formed by spring hooks 24, with some or all of thestrap body being formed from elastic material portion 22. The elasticportion 22 is a fire resistant member woven construct of about 1″ inwidth (Width Tolerance: +/− 1/16″) and thickness of about 0.035-0.060″and formed using textured polyester or cotton yarn coupled with neoprenerubber or elastic strands in a manner to forma a fire resistant member,such as manufactured by HNW, The Elastic People, of Pawtucket, RhodeIsland. The fire resistance may be from the material selection,treatment of the yarns or subsequent treatment of the woven member, asknown in the art. Further the weaving pattern can affect the resultingfire resistance. The elastic portion 22 preferably exhibits anElongation measurement of 115% (+/−15%) Woven elastic fabrics are densewith interlocking threads for a strong, premium product that will notnarrow when stretched.

The chinstrap 20 further includes a fire resistant chin engaging slipmember 26 surrounding a portion of the strap body as shown. The slipmember 26 is preferably a tubular woven webbing member. Webbing is aterm defining a strong fabric woven as a flat strip or tube of varyingwidth and fibers and is often used in place of rope. The name webbingcomes from the meshed material frequently used in its construction,which resembles a web. Webbing, in general is a well-known and versatilecomponent used in climbing, slack-lining, furniture manufacturing,automobile safety, auto racing, towing, parachuting, load securing toname a few disparate fields of use. The slip member 26 is preferablyformed of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polypropylene or polyester.The tubular webbing forming member 26 consists of a flattened tube, andis commonly used in climbing and industrial applications. The slipmember 26 preferably slides relative to the strap body and is intendedto be the only member in contact with the skin of the user.

The slip member 26 only covers a portion of the strap body as shown;however a slip member 26 can be used to encompass the entire length ofthe strap body to allow for a broader selection of elastic webbingmaterial for elastic portion 22 and allowing the elastic portion 22 (or22′ below) to freely elongate and contract within the slip member 26.With the slip member 26 covering the elastic portion 22, the slip member26 can be used to supply the fire resistance to the strap 20, at leastfor the covered elastic portion 22. For example: forming the member 26from NOMEX® fibers or polyester (15%) and cotton (85% fire resistantblend). With this concept in mind FIGS. 3B-5 illustrate an alternativeembodiment for strap 20 in which the elastic member portion 22′ iscontained entirely within the area encompassed by the chin engaging slipmember 26, and wherein the strap body includes a pair of webbing memberportions 30 on opposed sides of the elastic member portion 22′. Thewebbing strap members 30 are formed as flat webbing members which can bedescribed as a solid weave constructs, with seatbelts and most backpackstraps being common examples of flat webbing members.

The chinstrap 20 additionally includes an adjustment member, such asbuckle 28. The buckle 28 allows the strap 20 to be adjusted to firmlyfit the user. As discussed above the slip member 26 is to be worn underthe chin such that the elastic material 22 or 22′ moves freely withintubing of fire resistant material of the slip member 26. The quickrelease adjusting buckle 28 is part of the strap member and the springhooks 24 on both ends of the chinstrap 20 act as a means to attach thechinstrap 20 to the helmet 10. The preferred length of the chinstrap 10is about 18 to 22 inched, generally about 19 inches, and the width ofthe strap member is approximately 1 inch.

The strap body of the chinstrap 20 measuring approximately 19 inches by1 inch may be formed with non-fire resistant elastic material 22′ withthe construction shown in FIGS. 3B, 4 and 5 and the material 22′attached at both ends with non-elastic fire resistant material 30 withthe elastic material 22′ to expand and contract within and protected byfire resistant tubing material of the chin engaging slip member 26.Alternatively, the strap body of the chinstrap 20 measuringapproximately 19 inches by 1 inch may be formed with fire resistantelastic material 22 with the construction shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A.

Additionally, the chinstrap 20 may substitute the quick release buckle28 with postman's slide or similar fasteners, the spring hooks 24 withslip rings or similar securing mechanisms, and the woven slip pad 26with a similar force distributing device such as made of 1.5 inch wideleather or other fire resistant material.

The significant purpose of the chinstrap 20 is to be worn byfirefighters with the helmet 10 to partially absorb or dissipate impactforces such as burning materials or other debris falling on the brim 14of firefighter's helmets 10 that would otherwise under the prior arthelmet designs cause the said helmet (which is securely affixed to thefirefighter's head) to violently move the helmet and thereby the headand neck of a firefighter causing possible and probable damage to thehead, neck, shoulder and other skeletal or muscular systems of thewearer. When the static helmet 10 of the invention shown in FIG. 6A issubjected to impact forces at either the rear (force 35 in FIG. 6B) orthe front (force 37 in FIG. 6C) of the helmet 10, the chinstrap 20partially absorbs or dissipates such forces at the front and rear of thehelmet 10 by the spring hooks 10 pivoting at the attachment loopretainer 32 of the helmet 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C. Moreprecisely the helmet 10 is configured to allow the shell 12 and brim 14to pivot relative to the chinstrap 20 about an axis extending throughthe chinstrap retainers 32 and hooks 24. Impact forces at the sides ofthe helmet 10 that extend across the axis through the chinstrapretainers 32 (shown as forces 39 in FIG. 6D) so as to neither be in thefront or rear of the helmet 10 are partially absorbed or dissipated bystretching and collapsing of the elastic material portion 22 or 22′ asillustrated in FIG. 6D. The lateral forces 39 that extend across thepivot axis represent a common class of falling debris, as a partialceiling or roof collapse is often not a single point impact, and thehuman reaction of partially turning away from the debris right beforeimpact can increase the likelihood that the impact forces are thelateral forces shown in FIG. 6D.

The chinstrap 20 measures approximately 1 inch×19 inches, easilytransportable and easy to use and may be easily retrofitted into mostexisting firefighter's helmets 10 and many other protective helmets.

The term elastic as associated with strap material is known in the art.Regarding the elastic chin strap 20 of the present invention, thepurpose of the chinstrap 20 is to partially absorb or dissipate impactforces such as burning materials or other debris falling on the brim offirefighter helmets that would otherwise under the present art formcause the said helmet securely affixed to the firefighter's head toviolently move the helmet and thereby the head of a firefighter causingpossible and probable damage to the head, neck, shoulder and otherskeletal or muscular systems of the wearer. The chinstrap 20 of thepresent invention should be sufficiently elastic to minimize rapid headand neck movement in the side loading configurations of FIG. 6D whichare above a dangerous minimal threshold, typically 1-15 lbs, generally3-8 lbs, direct lateral impact loading at the edge of the brim 14.

Alternative uses of the chinstrap 20 include using the strap 20 on otherheadgear, clothing, equipment or articles requiring shock absorbency orforce dissipation. Another alternative use of the strap 20 is to hold orconnect two or more objects or materials where heat or fire isprevalent.

A significant advantage of the chinstrap 20 of the invention to be wornby firefighters with helmet 10 is the partial absorption and dissipationof impact forces (39) to helmets 10 that may otherwise have resulted orled to head, shoulder and neck injuries to the user. One importantadvantage of the chinstrap 20 of the invention is that it provides awider section at member 26 immediately under the chin of the userallowing for easier breathing and talking by relieving tension under thetongue area and possible damage to said facial tissues.

The safety chinstrap 20 of the present invention is applicable for otherprotective headgear, such as, for example the Cowboy-Style Hard Hatwhich was a creation of tool salesman, Bret Atkins in 1996. Compared tothe traditional half-egg shaped hard hat, the cowboy-style hard hat hasa wide, Stetson-like brim which is intended to offer the weareradditional rain and UV light protection. The safety chinstrap 20 can behelpful for such hats for avoiding head and neck area injuries fromimpact loading in the manner discussed above in connection with thefirefighter's helmet 10.

It will be apparent that various modifications may be made to thepresent invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.The scope of the present invention is to be defined by the appendedclaims and equivalents thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fire resistant elastic chinstrap for a helmetthat partially absorbs and dissipates impact forces to headgear therebyminimizing bodily injury to the wearer.
 2. The fire resistant elasticchinstrap for a helmet according to claim 1 further including a pair ofcoupling members at opposed ends of the chinstrap, wherein the couplingmembers are configured to allow the helmet to pivot relative to thechinstrap about an axis extending through the coupling members whenattached to the helmet.
 3. The fire resistant elastic chinstrap for ahelmet according to claim 2 wherein the coupling members are formed asspring hooks.
 4. The fire resistant elastic chinstrap for a helmetaccording to claim 3 further including a strap body extending betweenthe coupling members and a fire resistant chin engaging slip memberaround at least a portion of the strap body.
 5. The fire resistantelastic chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 4 wherein the fireresistant chin engaging slip member is formed from webbing material. 6.The fire resistant elastic chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 5wherein the strap body includes an elastic member portion within thearea encompassed by the chin engaging slip member.
 7. The fire resistantelastic chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 6 further wherein thestrap body includes a pair of webbing member portion on opposed sides ofthe elastic member portion contained within the slip member and whereinthe elastic member portion is non-fire resistant.
 8. The fire resistantelastic chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 1 further including astrap body extending between the distal ends of the chinstrap and a fireresistant chin engaging slip member around at least a portion of thestrap body.
 9. The fire resistant elastic chinstrap for a helmetaccording to claim 8 wherein the fire resistant chin engaging slipmember is formed from webbing material.
 10. The fire resistant elasticchinstrap for a helmet according to claim 9 wherein the strap bodyincludes an elastic member portion within the area encompassed by thechin engaging slip member.
 11. The fire resistant elastic chinstrap fora helmet according to claim 10 further wherein the strap body includes apair of webbing member portion on opposed sides of the elastic memberportion.
 12. A protective helmet comprising A fire resistant, impactresistant shell configured to be received upon the user's head; A fireresistant, impact resistant, full brim extending outwardly from theshell around the circumference of the shell; A pair chinstrap retainerscoupled to the shell on opposed sides of the protective helmet; A fireresistant safety chinstrap coupled to the chinstrap retainers andincluding an elastic member portion that partially absorbs anddissipates some impact forces to helmet.
 13. The protective helmetaccording to claim 12 wherein the helmet is configured to allow theshell and brim to pivot relative to the chinstrap about an axisextending through the chinstrap retainers, wherein the elastic memberportion partially absorbs and dissipates some impact forces to headgearthat extend across the axis through the chinstrap retainers to minimizehead and neck area bodily injury to the user.
 14. The protective helmetaccording to claim 13 wherein the fire resistant safety chinstrapincludes a pair of coupling members at opposed ends of the chinstrapcoupled to the retainers, wherein the coupling members are configured toallow the helmet to pivot relative to the chinstrap about the axisextending through the retainers and coupling members when attached tothe helmet.
 15. The protective helmet according to claim 14 wherein thecoupling members of the chinstrap are formed as spring hooks.
 16. Theprotective helmet according to claim 14 wherein the chinstrap furtherincludes a strap body extending between the coupling members and a fireresistant chin engaging slip member around at least a portion of thestrap body.
 17. The protective helmet according to claim 16 wherein thefire resistant chin engaging slip member is formed from webbingmaterial.
 18. The protective helmet according to claim 17 wherein thestrap body includes the elastic member portion within the areaencompassed by the chin engaging slip member.
 19. The protective helmetaccording to claim 17 wherein the strap body includes a pair of webbingmember portions on opposed sides of the elastic member portion.
 20. Theprotective helmet according to claim 17 wherein the protective helmet isa firefighter's helmet.